Election Issues: Chris Funkhouser

With election season in full swing, Yorkville Patch wanted to give readers a clear view of how local candidates compared on recent issues that surfaced before the City Council. Below are the answers from , who is running against incumbent for alderman in Ward 3. Sutcliff's answers can be found here.

Come back tomorrow to see how the Ward 4 alderman candidates answered the same questions.

•  Would you have voted to place a binding bike trails referendum on the April 5 ballot? Why?

The vote to place the binding bike trail referendum on the ballot a second time was not a decision I would have supported. In November 2010, the residents were given an opportunity to vote on the same referendum and it failed by a majority. The Council’s action to advance the referendum a second time is in direct conflict with the voice of the people.

• Looking at the water and sewer bond problem the City Council faced this winter in the 2011-2012 fiscal year, what do you think is the best solution?

The most effective solution to the sewer bond obligations is to place the bonds on the property taxes for one year. This allows the city to have time to look at refinancing scenarios.

Regarding the water infrastructure improvements and maintenance fees, set to expire April 30, 2011; that increase was a necessary action in lieu of another property tax increase. The additional fee was the most efficient and minimally intrusive, yet not pleasing, method of meeting our debt obligation.

• Looking at the water and sewer bond problem for fiscal year 2012-2013 and beyond, what do you think is the best solution? Do you favor the proposed sales tax increase?

The option of a sales tax increase is a revenue stream that may hinder new growth
and expansion of the business community. Support for the sales tax increase can happen only with these conditional safeguards: 1. The city will repeal the property tax increase approved to pay the sewer bonds. 2. The city repeal the sales tax once alternate revenues are in place. The city would actively and aggressively look for other funding for the bond payments.

• How would you characterize the working relationships among current City Council members? How do you think you work/would work within that environment? 

All members of the Council need to conduct City business with decorum, professionalism and personal integrity. I am open minded and able to receive constructive criticism and willing to work with any alderman, mayor or staff member. Roberts Rules of Order need to be adhered to ensuring a more orderly flow of meetings. Setting aside personal differences and views is imperative to the success of the Council and furthermore the City of Yorkville.